Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most popular and significant bands of the past century. They transcended genres and fused diverse influences, from R&B to pop to jazz and beyond, earning multiple Grammy Awards—and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Although many of band founder Maurice White’s contemporaries and fans felt a kinship with him through his music, he remained an intensely private man. In this riveting account of his massively popular band, he bares his soul.

Raised by a family friend, relentlessly teased by schoolmates, Maurice found refuge in music. By the time he was six, he was singing in a gospel choir. He came of age musically with close childhood friends and future legends Booker T. Jones and songwriter David Porter. Trained at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, he later joined Chess Records, where he played drums for Etta James, Sonny Stitt, and countless others. With the Ramsey Lewis Trio, he honed his showmanship and learned about the music business, but after receiving what he believed to be a message from God, he created Earth, Wind & Fire. Sellout crowds were spellbound by the band’s costumes, energetic movement, dynamic horns, floating pianos, spinning drum kits, and vanishing acts assisted by magician David Copperfield. The band’s performances were no less forgettable than their perennial hits: “Shining Star,” “Reasons,” “Got to Get You into My Life,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Let’s Groove.”

Maurice White’s story illuminates Earth, Wind & Fire’s position as a band essential to American culture, and offers an intimate look at his final days, from his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to his faith, which helped him not only to cope but also to savor every single moment.

Foreword by Steve Harvey and afterword by David Foster

The Grammy-winning founder of the legendary pop/R&B/soul/funk/disco group tells his story and charts the rise of his legendary band in this sincere memoir that captures the heart and soul of an artist whose groundbreaking sound continues to influence music today.

With its dynamic horns, contrasting vocals, and vivid stage shows, Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most popular acts of the late twentieth century—the band “that changed the sound of black pop” (Rolling Stone)—and its music continues to inspire modern artists including Usher, Jay-Z, Cee-Lo Green, and Outkast. At last, the band’s founder, Maurice White, shares the story of his success.

Now in his seventies, White reflects on the great blessings music has brought to his life and the struggles he’s endured: his mother leaving him behind in Memphis when he was four; learning to play the drums with Booker T. Jones; moving to Chicago at eighteen and later Los Angeles after leaving the Ramsey Lewis Trio; forming EWF, only to have the original group fall apart; working with Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond; his diagnosis of Parkinson’s; and his final public performance with the group at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Through it all, White credits his faith for his amazing success and guidance in overcoming his many challenges.

Keep Your Head to the Sky is an intimate, moving, and beautiful memoir from a man whose creativity and determination carried him to great success, and whose faith enabled him to savor every moment.